Voice of the Poor

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Voiceof the Poor
By the Central and Northern Arizona Council of
St. Vincent de Paul
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Voice of the Poor
Voice of the Poor
Voice of the Poor
Advocacy arm of SVdP
Advocacy arm of SVdP
Advocacy arm of SVdP
Advocacy arm of SVdP

• What is VOP?
• Why is VOP part of SVdP?
• How does VOP help the poor?

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"It is the time for a 'fresh approach to
charity, which promotes not only the efficacy of
assistance given, but the ability to be close to,
and in solidarity with, those who suffer."
Pope John Paul II.
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Answering the Call

• 2000 National Council called for advocacy
  committees
• 2001 February Phoenix Diocesan Council approved
  VOP Committee

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Rule 7

• Added by the International SVdP Society
• Articulates the relationship with civil society
• Reflects Catholic social and justice teaching

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Module 4
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Mission of Voice of the Poor

• Education
• Issues affecting the poor
• Advocacy
• At all levels of government
• Working with elected officials

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Position Statements

• Written by the national VOP committee
• Approved by the SVdP Trustees
• Published on the national VOP Web site

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Current Position Statements

• Just Wages for Employees of SVdP
• Affordable Housing for the Poor
• Health Care for the Poor
• Immigration
• Fair Wages for All

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National Web Resources
http//www.voiceofthepoor.org

• Poverty news
• Contacts
• Related sites
• Information (VOP Resources)
• Regional and legislative updates
• Forum

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Other Resources

• Local Web sitehttp//www.stvincentdepaul.net
• E-mail alerts and updateshowishome_at_aol.com

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Upcoming issues

• Federal and State budget items affecting the poor
• Food stamps
• Medicaid/AHCCCS
• Affordable housing
• Homeless issues
• Immigration

(http//www.usccb.org)
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Unity of Mind and Spirit
Collaboration
Education
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Stay Informed

• Read all you can
• Visit the national VOP Web site
• Listen to the poor

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Be active

• Join VOP
• Tell the stories of the poor
• Watch for patterns
• Share your concerns
• Vote

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The ABC of Effective Advocacy

• Find out who your legislators are
• LOCAL
• NATIONAL
• Follow up on Action Alerts
• Calling
• E-mailing
• FAXing
• Identify yourself as
• Member of SVdP
• Constituent

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The SVdP/VOP Connection

• Charity AND justice
• Non partisan
• Speak with one voice

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Stay Focused
Does it help the poor and vulnerable?
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Charity and Justice
Never give in charity what is owed in justice
Pope John XXIII
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Blessed Frederic Ozanam
envisioned the establishment of a network of
charity and social justice encircling the
globe. The Rule 2.4
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Frederic Ozanam